£495.00
A beautifully atmospheric 19th-century hand-painted portrait miniature of a young lady, presented behind convex glass within a finely made black ebony and bronze oval frame.
A beautifully atmospheric 19th-century hand-painted portrait miniature of a young lady, presented behind convex glass within a finely made black ebony and bronze oval frame.
Painted on an intimate scale, the portrait depicts an elegant young woman shown bust-length against a dark background. Her face is delicately modelled in warm flesh tones, with softly flushed cheeks, finely painted eyes and dark hair swept upwards from her face.
A string of pale pearls encircles her neck, while small jewel-like highlights appear within her hair. The costume and composition have the character of an earlier aristocratic portrait, suggesting that the miniature may have been painted after an earlier likeness or historical portrait rather than representing a contemporary Victorian sitter.
The dark background places particular emphasis on the face, which appears almost luminous beneath the deeply convex glass. Close inspection reveals the wonderfully aged surface of the painting, with an extensive network of fine craquelure developed over time.
The portrait is housed within a particularly attractive black ebony oval frame, finely detailed with contrasting bronze.
Immediately surrounding the miniature is a narrow bronze inner mount with delicate repeating detail, while the outer perimeter is finished with a distinctive beaded bronze edge. The combination of richly coloured bronze against the deep black ebony gives the small portrait an almost jewel-like quality.
The strongly convex glass projects beyond the surface of the frame, creating additional depth and subtly changing the appearance of the portrait as it is viewed from different angles.
The reverse retains its old backing together with a simple suspension ring for wall display.
At just 8 cm high, it is a wonderfully intimate object—equally suited to a collection of portrait miniatures and small paintings or displayed amongst larger works as a tiny point of interest.
Presented in attractive antique condition with considerable age and character.
The painted surface displays an extensive network of fine craquelure, together with age-related surface variation and scattered marks.
Despite this ageing, the portrait retains good definition and attractive colour, particularly to the sitter's face, dark hair and pearl necklace.
The convex glass intact and displays minor marks and wear associated with age.
The ebony frame displays light scratches, rubbing and minor age-related marks. The bronze inlay, inner mount and beaded outer edge retain an attractive aged surface with areas of natural patination and wear.
The reverse retains its old backing, which displays considerable age and wear around its edges, together with the suspension ring.
The miniature has not been removed from its frame, and the precise painted support has therefore not been conclusively identified.
No restoration has been undertaken by Shackleton Fox.
Please refer closely to the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
Height: 8 cm / 3.1 inches
Width: 7 cm / 2.8 inches
Depth: 0.5 cm / 0.2 inches
Weight: Not recorded
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
